"Luge is My Life" – The Quiet Heroism of Valentin Cretu

Berchtesgaden (FIL/26 Apr 2025) Luge might be one of the most mentally demanding sports in the world. It’s fast, it’s icy, and it’s measured in thousandths of a second. But for Romanian athlete Valentin Cretu, it’s more than a sport. It’s a lifelong journey - driven not by a string of gold medals, but by grit, heart, and an enduring love for the sled.

Valentin is a 4-time Olympian and won the bronze and the gold medal in the overall Nations Cup in the last years. His story begins in the picturesque mountain town of Sinaia, nestled in Romania’s Bucegi Mountains. As a 10-year-old boy, he didn’t dream of Olympic glory - he simply wanted to lose weight. A doctor’s advice set him on a path that started with soccer and, unexpectedly, led to luge. The local luge team used soccer as a warm-up, and for young Valentin, a football fanatic, that was enough reason to join.

“I was hooked right away,” he recalls. “My dad had told me stories about luge. He even tried it once, but my grandmother put a stop to it. This felt like my chance to do something he couldn’t.”

From that moment on, the sled became more than just a piece of equipment. It became calling. After his very first run, Cretu declared, “I want to go to the Olympics.” Inspired by the legendary Armin Zöggeler, who battled for gold on the world’s fastest tracks, Cretu set his sights high. And he never looked back.

A Lone Fighter for Romanian Luge

In a sport largely dominated by powerhouses like Germany, Austria, Latvia, USA and Italy, Cretu’s path hasn’t been easy. Romania doesn’t host international luge events or offer elite-level training facilities. In fact, the country has only one Winter Olympic medal to its name - a bronze in bobsleigh from 1968.

But that hasn’t stopped Cretu from trying to make history. For more than two decades, he’s been chasing a dream: to stand on the Olympic podium and bring home Romania’s second Winter Games medal.

“I just want to get as close as possible to the medals,” he says. “At the Olympics, anything can happen. Look at David Gleirscher - he won gold in Pyeongchang in 2018 without a single World Cup win. He had just made it onto the Austrian Olympic team. That gives me hope.”

The 35-year-old’s proudest achievement so far came in 2024, when he helped Romania secure a team bronze in Altenberg. He’s also had success at the Nations Cup, taking gold in Winterberg and bronze in Altenberg.

But the road hasn’t been smooth. His sport keeps him away from home for months at a time, and the emotional and financial toll is real. “My wife and family worry. They see how much I put into this and how little I get back,” he admits. “It’s frustrating - sometimes it feels like nothing works out. But I keep pushing. I still believe I can bring Romania its second Olympic medal.”

Building His Dreams by Hand

Due to limited access to modern facilities, Cretu often builds and adjusts his sled himself - in his own workshop. Because of Romania’s changing winters, he trains abroad whenever he can, preparing for the season with whatever time and resources he has.

Despite all the challenges, Valentin’s passion remains unbroken. And he is passing it on to the next generation. His still seven-year-old son became national champion in the ice start competitions for the under-nine age group this spring. “I want to show him how amazing this sport is,” Cretu says.

“In luge, it doesn’t matter where you're from. People help each other. There's a real sense of community. That’s something I want my son to experience.”

Eyes on Milano-Cortina 2026

Looking ahead to the next Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Cretu feels a special connection. “Turin 2006 was when I really knew - this is what I want to do,” he says. “China was about getting into the top 15. But for Milan-Cortina, I want more. I want to fight for the medals.”

And he might not be doing it alone. Although he’s been racing singles for most of his career, he’s hoping to finally compete in doubles too - something he’s dreamed of since 2008. Back then, he even won the Romanian doubles national championship after just two days of training with a junior teammate. But the federation insisted he stay in singles.

Now, with a new partner, Eduard Craciun is a second men’s singles athlete for Romania in the World Cup, Cretu may finally get his chance. “It’s just fun for me,” he says with a smile. “Especially from the women’s start, it’s easy and enjoyable in doubles - like a holiday on ice!”

"Luge Is My Life"

Through all the ups and downs, Cretu remains steadfast. "You have to understand," he says, "luge is my life. I love it. It's not hard for me, it's just who I am".

He chuckles, adding, “I love it, unfortunately for me - and for them,” nodding to his family with a grin.

There may be differing opinions about Cretu’s techniques or sled designs, but no one can question the fire that drives him. His story isn’t one of instant triumph or flashy headlines, but of quiet determination, deep devotion, and the power of never giving up.

“I just want to keep going. I believe I still have something special to give.”